Koala Women's Rally Comes Up Short at Reinhardt

Waleska, Ga. - The Columbia College women's basketball team's fourth quarter rally came up just short as they fell 74-67 on the road at Reinhardt University (GA) Saturday afternoon.

RU got out to a 23-13 lead after the first quarter before Columbia stepped up their defense in the second quarter holding the Lady Eagles to just six points in outscoring them 15-6 to head into halftime down just one point at 29-28.

The third quarter then saw the teams find their offensive rhythm as they combined for 48 points with RU taking it 27-21. The fourth quarter had the teams each score 18 points with Columbia getting to within five points at 72-67 at the one-minute mark but could not climb any closer.

The difference in the game came at the three-point line as RU shot 52.5 percent whereas the Koalas shot just 2 of 11 (18%), but CC did shoot 46% overall. Columbia falls to 8-8 overall and 4-5 in the conference and into a tie for 6th with the tough loss while RU improves to 8-1 in the AAC and 11-5 overall and into a tie for 2nd place.

The Koalas were led by a big game from sophomore guard Makiah Thompson as she scored 17 points with 6 rebounds, four assists and five steals while fellow guard, junior Anaya Muhammad added 16 points on 6 of 8 shooting with a steal and a block. Freshman forward Natalie Pitts also scored a season-high 16 points with 4 rebounds.

Also playing well was junior forward Shandrea Pringle with 7 points, 8 rebounds, two steals and a block while junior guard Lauren Wearbon also added 5 points, 2 steals, 2 rebounds, and a block.

The Koalas next return home on Wednesday evening to host rival SMC at 5:00 pm from the Godbold Center.